Santa Clarita recommendations? I hope that Santa Clarita isn't too far out of the bounds of this community. Even though I'm L.A.-born and -raised, there are still some parts of the Southland I don't know well.

I'm taking someone new to an event at the Performing Arts Center this Saturday night. Since this is a first date, I'd like to take her someplace nice and unhackneyed. But also since we haven't yet discussed food preferences, I don't know what cuisines she likes, whether she's a vegetarian, etc. So some varied suggestions (preferably within striking distance of the venue) would be appreciated.

I don't eat anything from the sea, so sushi is right out, unless it's someplace where I can get "turf" for myself.

Restaurant Review of the Dish Cafe in Goleta, CA (Santa Barbara area) I used to live in LA and I am really missing some of my favorite restaurants there. On the bright side, Santa Barbara is my new home and some of the restaurants here are incredible. I know a lot of Angelinos visit SB, so if you are ever in the area, here's a good restaurant to check out.

CAFE PINOT anybody been to cafe pinot downtown? thinking of taking my sweetie for his birthday.fyi, we're both gourmands/gourmet inclined, and upon seeing the menu it looked like something we would enjoy.any input is appreciated!http://www.patinagroup.com/cafePinot/

My friend wants to have dinner at a restaurant where they cook the food right in front of you...I don't know what that's called though...I think benihana's does it, but I dont want him to spend that much, so does anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper alternative?? If not, can someone confirm that benihana's does do that?

HELP...I need to plan my boyfriend's birthday dinner!! So my boyfriend's birthday is coming up in one month and I want to plan something fun. I was thinking dinner at a fun place where I can invite all his crazy friends to join! All I need is a venue...I took my roommate to Palms Thai before and that was pretty good, but I don't want to try the same thing. Some place where the guys can eat, but get drunk too!! Any suggestions?? He likes most foods...Thanks

we're in the midst of creating our food itinerary. we need suggestions for GOOD, AUTHENTIC, NON-COMMERCIAL chinese food (particularly taiwanese, sichuan, cantonese, northern-xinjiang province, etc.)! if there's anything you guys can recommend to us at all (whether it be a single dish/appetizer/snack/dessert or a sit-down dinner), please feel free to leave a comment. when i return from this massive tour of gluttony, i'll provide pictures for the community. thanks in advance!

Dim Sum Hello everyone, its been a while since someone has posted and i hope i get some good responses.

Ive been in the mood to try Dim Sum for the first time, can anyone recommend any good Dim Sum restaurants around the LA, Hollywood, San Fernando Valley area. I am really looking for something close to the authentic thing, nothing too "made by white americans" Dim Sum. Price dosent matter as long as its not super expensive.

Great Dives? I'm interested in a particular kind of restaurant -- the kind that serves great food at a great price, even if the surroundings aren't really spiffy. Or maybe it's not a restaurant -- maybe it's a taco truck, a farmer's market or a donut house. Whatever it is, it's good food.

Please stop by brokeinla, my new community for "the financially challenged and the frugal at heart" -- and share. It's about a lot more than food, but I can't think of anything more important!

310 / 562 best bakeries? what are the best bakeries in the 310/562 area codes, in your opinion? im searching for fresh bread and pastries, european, indian, middle eastern, turkish or greek. any suggestions? thanks all.

orange county restaurants with smoking patios I'm new to the community and the Orange County area, more specifically Huntington Beach. I'm a smoker and having a hard time finding restaurants with great food and an even better patio that allows smoking. Any suggestions?